UV lamp

Abstract

The present invention relates to a UV lamp, the axial dimension of which is orthogonal to a cross section having a cross-sectional area, wherein the ratio of the axial dimension to the cross-sectional area is within 0.1 cm / cm 2 Up to 1000cm / cm 2 The UV lamp includes a first axial conductor separated from a second axial conductor by an electrically insulating material, and a light emitting diode (LED) provided by the torsion bar for providing light with a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 400 nm, the LED being mounted to emit light from an outer surface. The invention also relates to a method for using the UV lamp to sterilize a surface.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a UV lamp suitable for sterilizing the inner surface of, for example, a teat cup. The UV lamp comprises a first axial conductor separated from a second axial conductor by an electrically insulating material, and a light emitting diode (LED) capable of providing UV light. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a UV lamp, for example for use as a sterilizing lamp for teat cups, and a method of using the UV lamp to sterilize a surface. Background Art

[0003] UV lamps for sterilizing surfaces are generally known in the art. However, the known solutions all provide a simple and compact design for the UV lamp. In particular, the prior art sterilizing UV lamps are not suitable for sterilizing hard-to-reach areas, such as the interior of a milking cup.

[0004] For example, WO 2012 / 071000 discloses a teat cup liner and a teat cup comprising the same. The teat cup liner may have a section forming an annular module having an inner surface facing the interior space, and the annular module may include a functional component for providing additional functionality to the milking operation, for example, the functional component may include a UV light emitting element. The UV light may have a bactericidal effect to reduce or eliminate bacteria from the inside of the teat cup liner and therefore from the milk flowing through the teat cup liner.

[0005] WO 2017 / 185217 describes a sterilization cap having a cap for covering the opening of a container having an internal cavity. The cap is used to prevent bacterial contamination and deterioration caused by contact with air after sealing, and the cap has a sterilization lighting component. The sterilization cap can be applied to water bottles, baby bottles, medicine bottles, or cosmetic bottles, wherein the original cap is replaced with a sterilization cap, and the sterilization cap can be closed at the opening of the container so that the interior of the container or the cap body is sterilized to eliminate the deterioration of the contents caused by bacteria.

[0006] WO 2009 / 123445 discloses an animal interaction system for milking, feeding, and / or selecting animals. In the system, UV light irradiates a part of the system that is in contact with the animal during use to kill bacteria, spores, and / or fungi present on this part of the system, and / or the UV light may irradiate a part of the animal present near the system. The system may be an apparatus for milking animals, provided with a milking cup. Summary of the invention

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple and flexible solution for providing UV light for sterilizing surfaces compared to prior art solutions.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a UV lamp, the axial dimension of which is orthogonal to a cross section having a cross-sectional area, wherein the ratio of the axial dimension to the cross-sectional area is configured such that the UV lamp has a longitudinal shape, the UV lamp comprising:

[0009] - a first axial conductor separated from a second axial conductor by an electrically insulating material, at least one of the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor defining an outer surface,

[0010] - a light emitting diode (LED) capable of providing light having a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 400 nm, the LED having a first electrical terminal electrically connected to the first axial conductor and a second electrical terminal connected to the second axial conductor;

[0011] Wherein, the LED is mounted to emit light from the outer surface.

[0012] The UV lamp has a substantially longitudinal shape. In the context of the present invention, "longitudinal shape" means that the axial dimension is greater than the cross-sectional dimension. However, it is also contemplated that the axial dimension may be equal to or less than the cross-sectional dimension. For example, the UV lamp may also be defined by the ratio of the axial dimension to the cross-sectional area, for example, the ratio of the axial dimension to the cross-sectional area may be 0.1 cm / cm 2 Up to 1000cm / cm 2 Exemplary dimensions include an axial dimension, or "length," in the range of 1 cm to 50 cm, and a cross-sectional dimension, or "width," in the range of 2 mm to 100 mm. For example, in one embodiment, the length is 30 cm and the width is 50 mm. In another embodiment, the width is 10 mm and the length is 10 cm. The cross-section of the UV lamp is not limited, and it can be, for example, circular, oval, square, or triangular.

[0013] The longitudinal shape of the UV lamp makes it suitable for irradiating the interior of objects and surfaces with a longitudinal or rectangular shape. In particular, the UV light emitted from the UV lamp can kill bacteria, germs, spores, such as bacterial or fungal spores, viruses, thereby sterilizing the surface. The longitudinal shape of the UV lamp allows the UV lamp to be inserted into difficult-to-reach internal sections of containers, pipes, ducts or the like. Since the UV lamp uses UV light, especially UV light from high-efficiency LEDs for sterilization, less energy can be used to obtain sterilization compared to steam sterilization. Thus, a more energy-efficient sterilization is obtained. Another advantage of using UV sterilization is that potentially harmful or irritating chemicals can be avoided, for example in milking milking blankets, and thus potential exposure of animals and / or users to chemicals is avoided.

[0014] The UV lamp has an outer surface. The outer surface is provided by at least one of the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor, but the outer surface can also be at least partially defined by an electrically insulating material. For example, the UV lamp can have a cylindrical shape, so that one of the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor, such as only the first axial conductor, defines the outer surface. However, it is also possible that the outer surface is defined by both the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor. For example, the UV lamp can be cylindrical, and a section of the outer circumference of the cylinder, such as 10% to 90%, is defined by the first axial conductor, and the rest of the outer circumference is defined by the second axial conductor, or vice versa. A portion of the electrically insulating material can also be located at the outer surface, so that the outer surface is partially defined by the electrically insulating material. For example, the electrically insulating material can have a cylindrical shape, wherein the first axial conductor is located on the outer surface of the cylindrical electrically insulating material, and the second axial conductor is located on the inner surface of the cylindrical electrically insulating material, or vice versa. Therefore, the outer surface can be defined by the electrically insulating material, and one of the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor.

[0015] Accordingly, the UV lamp may have an axially hollow interior, wherein at least one of the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor defines an inner surface. Thus, the UV lamp may have a cylindrical shape, such that one of the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor, such as only the first axial conductor, defines the inner surface. However, it is also possible that the inner surface is defined by both the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor. For example, the UV lamp may be cylindrical, and a section of the outer circumference of the cylinder, such as 10% to 90%, is defined by the first axial conductor, and the rest of the outer circumference is defined by the second axial conductor, or vice versa. A portion of the electrically insulating material may also be located at the inner surface, such that the inner surface is partially defined by the electrically insulating material. For example, the electrically insulating material may have a cylindrical shape, wherein the first axial conductor is located on the outer surface of the cylindrical electrically insulating material, and the second axial conductor is located on the inner surface of the cylindrical electrically insulating material, or vice versa. Thus, the inner surface may be defined by the electrically insulating material, and one of the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor.

[0016] By mounting the LED to emit light from the outer surface, the lamp can be configured to illuminate a surface arranged at a distance from the outer surface. In general, it is advantageous that the distance between the surface to be illuminated and the outer surface of the UV lamp is as small as possible, and in a specific embodiment, the cross-section of the UV lamp is selected based on the intended use of the UV lamp. For example, in a specific embodiment, the UV lamp is used to disinfect or sterilize the inner surface of a milking cup of a milking machine, and the UV lamp has a generally circular cross-section with a diameter in the range of 5 mm to 30 mm, such as 15 mm to 30 mm. The light emitted by the LED can generally be considered as a point light source. Therefore, the dose, which depends on the intensity of the light source, is substantially inversely proportional to the distance from the light source. Therefore, it is generally preferred to keep the distance between the UV lamp and the surface to be sterilized as small as possible. The distance is preferably less than 10 cm, more preferably less than 5 cm, and most preferably less than 3 cm.

[0017] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a UV lamp, the axial dimension of which is orthogonal to a cross section having a cross-sectional area, wherein the ratio of the axial dimension to the cross-sectional area is configured such that the UV lamp has a longitudinal shape, the UV lamp comprising:

[0018] - a first axial conductor separated from a second axial conductor by an electrically insulating material, at least one of the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor defining an inner surface,

[0019] - an axial hollow interior, an inlet opening in the outer surface and an outlet opening adapted to allow fluid communication from the inlet opening to the outlet opening via the hollow interior; and a flushing arrangement adapted for providing fluid to the inlet opening,

[0020] - a light emitting diode (LED) capable of providing light having a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 400 nm, the LED having a first electrical terminal electrically connected to the first axial conductor and a second electrical terminal connected to the second axial conductor;

[0021] Therein, the LED is mounted to emit light from the inner surface toward the axial hollow interior.

[0022] The UV lamp is configured to emit light from an inner surface thereof to allow sterilization of fluid passing from the inlet opening through the axial hollow interior toward the outlet opening.

[0023] The advantage of the configuration of the UV lamp according to the invention is that when the UV lamp has an axially hollow interior or when the UV LEDs are located on the outer surface of the embodiment without an axially hollow interior, it is possible to achieve a maximum of 100% UV light per cm in the surface (whether the inner or outer surface). 2 High intensity LEDs.

[0024] In some embodiments, the interior surface includes at least 1 LED per cm 2 .

[0025] In some embodiments, the inner or outer surface is capable of providing at least 1 mW / cm2 at a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 400 nm. 2 of light.

[0026] This allows the LED to illuminate the fluid flowing from the inlet opening to the outlet opening with a dose of 10 mJ / cm 2 Up to 20mJ / cm 2 , for example 2mJ / cm 2 Up to 50mJ / cm 2 In the range of . The length between the inlet opening and the outlet opening can be in the range of 0.1m to 5m, for example, 0.5m to 2m. The dose can be sufficient to reduce the number of live microorganisms, such as bacteria, virus particles, algae, spores, fungal spores, etc., by 90% or more. In the context of the present invention, a 90% reduction in live microorganisms is considered to be a disinfection treatment. However, the UV lamp of the present invention can also reduce, for example, the amount of live microorganisms exceeding 90% in the fluid passing through the axial hollow interior, for example, the amount of live microorganisms can be reduced by at least 99% and up to 100%. In the context of the present invention, a 99% reduction in live microorganisms is considered to be a sterilization treatment. The first axial conductor and / or the second axial conductor provide a heat sink to allow the UV LEDs to be positioned close to each other so that a correspondingly high UV dose can be obtained from the UV lamp (i.e., the UV lamp of any aspect of the present invention). This allows sterilization to be obtained by a limited length UV lamp having a UV LED on the inner surface of the axial hollow interior.

[0027] The diameter of the inlet opening and the outlet opening may be in the range of 50 mm to 300 mm. This may allow obtaining a 3 / h to 10m 3 / h flow rate. Thus, a fluid, such as water, can pass through the axial hollow interior and be disinfected or sterilized when leaving the axial hollow interior from the outlet opening. Thus, the UV lamp can be used, for example, to disinfect or sterilize water in a pond, a pool, a tank, or a tap. For example, when the axial hollow interior is cylindrical and has a diameter in the range of 50mm to 300mm, the flow rate for disinfecting or sterilizing the fluid (e.g., reducing the density of live bacterial cells by at least 99%) is preferably 0.5m / h. 3 / h to 10m 3 / h. However, the diameter may be in the range of 10mm to 500mm. Fluid passing through the axial hollow interior may be provided by a flushing arrangement. For example, this may be achieved using a propeller, an external pump or a natural flow of water from a water source (e.g., through a tap or natural current).

[0028] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the UV lamp is made of a reflective material. When the LED emits light from the inner surface, the reflective inner surface can reflect the light waves, thereby enhancing the killing of microorganisms, and the UV lamp can be shorter than without the reflective inner surface. The material of the inner surface can be, for example, aluminum or a reflective coating. In an embodiment, the inner surface has a reflective surface, and the UV lamp has a length in the range of 0.2m to 2m, for example, 0.5m to 1.5m.

[0029] The UV lamp according to the second aspect can be used, for example, in aquaculture or aquaculture, such as fish farms. Fish in aquaculture are very susceptible to diseases and bacteria. Therefore, it is important to maintain the water quality in the pond to have a certain level of cleanliness for bacteria. The UV lamp can be placed, for example, after a filter element, which filters out coarse particles. An example of a UV lamp can be a UV lamp with an axial dimension of 1 m and a diameter of 10 cm. Such a UV lamp can be 1.5 m in diameter. 3 / h, i.e., 5 cm / s, to sterilize water. Therefore, the dose of exposure to water can be 15 mJ / cm 2 .

[0030] The UV lamp according to the second aspect can also be used to disinfect or sterilize air, for example as a part of an air conditioning system. For example, the UV lamp according to the second aspect can be used in the food industry, microbiological laboratories, or air supply systems in any place where sterilized air is needed.

[0031] The axial conductors can have any shape as desired. In their simplest form, the axial conductors, for example the first axial conductor, the second axial conductor and / or the two axial conductors, are rod-shaped. The electrically insulating material can also be shaped as a rod. For example, the axial conductors can be integrated in the rod-shaped electrically insulating material. In another embodiment, the electrically insulating material has a cylindrical shape, wherein the electrically insulating material forms a wall surrounding the axial hollow interior. For example, the axial conductor in the form of a rod can be attached to one side of the wall, for example the inner side or the outer side of the wall. It is also envisaged that the rod-shaped axial conductor is integrated in the wall of the cylinder.

[0032] The UV lamp of the present invention comprises a first and a second axial conductor. The term "axial" is to be understood as the conductor following the axial dimension of the UV lamp. The length of the axial conductor may be equal to the length of the UV lamp, or the axial conductor may be shorter than the UV lamp. It is generally preferred that the first and second axial conductors have the same approximate length. For example, the ratio of the length of the first axial conductor to the second axial conductor may be in the range of 0.8 to 1.2.

[0033] The axial conductor is generally rigid and provides structure to the UV lamp, but it is also envisioned that the axial conductor is flexible, such as in the form of a wire or cable, and rigidity is provided by an electrically insulating material. It is further envisioned that the UV lamp comprises two or more rigid sections connected by a hinge or the like.

[0034] The axial conductors provide power to the LEDs, and the first axial conductor can serve as a cathode and the second axial conductor can serve as an anode, or vice versa. The first and second axial conductors must not be in direct contact with each other at any location of the UV lamp so that a short circuit does not occur in the circuit and damage to the components of the UV lamp is prevented.

[0035] The cross-sectional shape of the UV lamp may be freely chosen, but in an embodiment the cross-section is substantially circular and symmetrical about the rotation axis of the lamp.The rotation axis of the lamp may be perpendicular to the axial dimension of the lamp.

[0036] For example, within the axial dimension of the lamp, the first axial conductor may be concentric with the second axial conductor, or vice versa. The term "concentric" may also be understood as coaxial. For example, the first axial conductor may have the shape of a rigid rod surrounded by an electrically insulating material, for example arranged as concentric layers, which in turn are concentrically surrounded by the second axial conductor. When one of the axial conductors or the electrically insulating material is "concentric" or "coaxial", the material may be considered to be in a "layer".

[0037] The UV lamp of the present invention can have an axially hollow interior, such as a hollow cylinder. For example, the UV lamp can have a generally cylindrical shape, wherein the first axial conductor, the electrical insulating material, and the second axial conductor form layers of the cylinder, so that the first axial conductor is separated from the second axial conductor by the electrical insulating material. When the UV lamp is cylindrical, the cylinder provides an axially hollow interior, and the LED can be positioned on the outer surface of the cylinder, i.e., the LED emits light away from the longitudinal axis of the UV lamp, or the LED can be positioned on the inner surface of the cylinder, i.e., the LED emits light toward the longitudinal axis of the UV lamp.

[0038] When the UV lamp has an axial hollow interior, it also has an inlet opening and an outlet opening in the outer surface, which are adapted to allow the fluid communication from the inlet opening to the outlet opening to be realized via the hollow interior. Therefore, fluid can pass through the hollow interior of the UV lamp, and the UV lamp has a flushing arrangement, which is adapted to provide fluid to the inlet opening. The UV lamp with a hollow interior can have a UV LED on the inner surface to emit UV light toward the axial hollow interior from the inner surface of a container, a pipeline, a pipe, or the like into which the UV lamp has been inserted, or the UV lamp with a hollow interior can have a UV LED on the outer surface to emit UV light from the outer surface toward the inner surface. When the UV lamp has a UV LED in the inner surface, the fluid in the UV lamp can be disinfected or sterilized. The fluid can be an aqueous liquid or air. When the UV lamp has a UVLED in the outer surface, the fluid in the UV lamp can be used to clean the surface to be disinfected or sterilized by the UV LED on the outer surface of the UV lamp.

[0039] In another exemplary embodiment, the first and second axial conductors, and the electrically insulating material are formed as concentric cylinders. These concentric cylindrical layers can also be referred to as hollow shells. In particular, the electrically insulating material can also be formed as a cylinder, which can be positioned between the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor, and is therefore also concentric with the first and second axial conductors. Thus, the first axial conductor, the second axial conductor, and the electrically insulating material can be arranged in a "sandwich structure", wherein the first axial conductor, the second axial conductor, and the electrically insulating material are concentric, and the electrically insulating material separates the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor. By making the first and second axial conductors, and the electrically insulating material into a layered concentric structure, a compact and simple design can be provided.

[0040] The first and second axial conductors can be made of the same material or different conductive materials. The conductive material can be one or more of the following: aluminum, titanium, copper, steel, stainless steel, silver, gold, graphite, brass, silicon, and conductive polymers or composite materials. These materials can also be used for other elements of the present invention.

[0041] The thickness of each axial conductor may be up to 50 mm, such as up to 40 mm, such as up to 30 mm, such as up to 20 mm, such as up to 10 mm, such as up to 5 mm, such as up to 1 mm, such as 0.1 to 50 mm, such as 0.4 to 1 mm. When the axial conductors are arranged in concentric layers, it is preferred that the thickness of the layers, for example the thickness of the radial dimension, is in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm.

[0042] In an embodiment, one or both of the axial conductors have been extruded from a metal, such as aluminum, magnesium, copper, titanium, or steel. It is also possible that the electrically insulating material is prepared by extrusion. In a particular embodiment, the axial conductors and the electrically insulating material are co-extruded simultaneously, such as extruding a UV lamp into its final, or near-final, shape.

[0043] In an embodiment, one or both of the axial conductors are made of aluminum, magnesium, or titanium, which is subsequently anodized to provide an electrically insulating oxide layer. In a preferred embodiment, one or both of the axial conductors have been extruded from aluminum, magnesium, or titanium, which is subsequently anodized. The metal may be anodized to provide an oxide layer on the surface of the metal. Such an oxide layer may have a thickness of at least 10 μm.

[0044] The first and / or second axial conductor may be divided into one or more separate zones, such that different potentials may be defined.

[0045] The electrical insulating material may include a foam material (open and / or closed cell), and / or a reinforcing material, such as a glass fiber material. The electrical insulating layer may be made of a polymer material such as an amorphous plastic material (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, and polystyrene) or a crystalline plastic material (e.g., nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene), or wood.

[0046] The electrically insulating material may define a honeycomb structure.

[0047] In some embodiments, the UV lamp further includes a power source capable of providing a voltage between the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor.

[0048] The power supply can use any standardized voltage in the range of 5V to 12V, for example, but higher voltages, such as 24V, 36V or 48V, are also envisioned. Preferably, the power supply provides a constant voltage of direct current. The power supply can be connected to a power grid to power the UV lamp. In an alternative embodiment, the power supply can include a battery. By having a battery, the UV lamp can be transportable and independent of a fixed power supply. In addition, the UV can then be removable and can be arranged for sterilizing surfaces that are difficult to reach through fixtures. When present, the power supply supplies power to the LED via an axial conductor, and thereby eliminates the need for wiring each LED or electrical component separately, thereby providing a simple and flexible system.

[0049] The UV lamp may include a circuit board carrying an LED. The circuit board may be positioned between the LED and one of the axial conductors. Thus, an improved thermal connection to the heat sink of the LED may be obtained. Since heat is effectively directed away from the LED, the durability of the LED is extended and performance over time is improved.

[0050] The outer surface may be defined by the first axial conductor, or the second axial conductor. For example, the outer surface may be defined by only the first axial conductor or only the second axial conductor. However, it is also contemplated that the outer surface is defined by a combination of the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor, such as 50% of the outer surface is formed by the first axial conductor and the remaining 50% of the outer surface is formed by the second axial conductor. In addition, it is also contemplated that the outer surface is at least partially formed by an electrically insulating material. For example, the outer surface may be formed by only an electrically insulating material, or by both the first and second axial conductors and the electrically insulating material, or by one of the first and second axial conductors together with the electrically insulating material.

[0051] By having one or more axial conductors defining the outer surface of the UV lamp, the lamp can have a substantially cylindrical shape. By having the outer surface of the UV lamp defined by the axial conductor and / or insulating material, the UV lamp can be very compact and additional elements required in other types of UV lamps can be avoided. The outer surface can face in a direction opposite to the inner surface of the axial hollow interior of the UV lamp. In general, the outer surface faces the environment around the UV lamp. The surface area of ​​the outer surface can be at least 25%, 50%, 100%, 200%, or 500% larger than the surface area of ​​the inner surface.

[0052] By having an LED that can provide light with a wavelength in the range of 100nm to 400nm, a UV lamp may be able to sterilize a surface by providing a suitable UV dosage to the surface to irradiate the surface. Light with a wavelength in the range of 100nm to 400nm is called ultraviolet light, abbreviated as "UV". The wavelength range of 100nm to 400nm can include UVA, UVB, and UVC, which are known to have a germicidal effect. The preferred wavelength is in the range of 100nm to 280nm, i.e. UVC. In the context of the present invention, the LED can be a single LED, or the term "LED" can refer to a group of LEDs connected in series. In a specific embodiment, the LED is a series, for example a series of 4 or 8 LEDs, and these series of LEDs are placed on a circuit board. The LED can be surface mounted on a circuit board.

[0053] The term "electrical terminal" is to be understood as a point or element for inputting power and / or data. An electrical terminal may be, for example, a positive pole or a negative pole.

[0054] When the UV lamp has a layer of axial conductor (e.g., first axial conductor), which surrounds a layer of electrically insulating material, which in turn surrounds an axial conductor, such as a second axial conductor, which may be rod-shaped or cylindrical, it is preferred that the LED is mounted in a recess on the UV lamp, the recess extending through the outer surface (e.g., first axial conductor and electrically insulating material), whereby the recess allows access to the inner surface, such as the second axial conductor. Thus, when the LED is mounted in the recess, the first electrical terminal of the LED can be electrically connected to the first axial conductor, and the second electrical terminal to the second axial conductor. This embodiment is not limited to having the first axial conductor as the outer layer and the second axial conductor as the inner layer, they can also be interchanged.

[0055] As long as the first electrical terminal is electrically connected to the first axial conductor and the second electrical terminal is connected to the second axial conductor, the LED can be installed in the recess as needed. For example, the LED can be welded or glued to the axial conductor. In a specific embodiment, the LED is placed on a circuit board, for example, the LED is surface mounted on the circuit board, and the circuit board is placed in the recess. The LED, especially when the LED is mounted on a circuit board, the UV lamp may include a connecting unit for retaining the LED. The connecting unit can be a locking ring, which can be pressure-fitted with the external screw thread of the LED, magnetically connected, or have an internal screw thread that matches it. The number of recesses in the UV lamp can be proportional to the number of LEDs installed on the UV lamp.

[0056] In some embodiments, the UV lamp further comprises an axial hollow interior, an inlet opening in the outer surface and an outlet opening, which are adapted to allow fluid communication from the inlet opening to the outlet opening via the hollow interior; and a flushing arrangement adapted to provide fluid to the inlet opening. In a preferred embodiment, the axial conductor and the electrically insulating material are concentrically arranged to have a cylindrical shape, which provides a UV lamp with an axial hollow interior. In this embodiment, the UV lamp is generally described as a "cylinder". The cylinder preferably has an inner diameter in the range of 1 mm to 25 mm.

[0057] In the context of the present invention, "flushing arrangement" generally includes a fluid supply source to the inlet opening, and the flushing arrangement can be arranged in the axial hollow interior, or can be arranged outside the axial hollow interior. For example, the flushing arrangement can also be arranged on one side of the UV lamp, for example, by being attached to a part of the outer surface alternatively. The flushing arrangement is in fluid communication with the inlet opening and therefore with the outlet opening. The flushing arrangement can include a reservoir, a pump (for example, a pump capable of supplying liquid to the inlet opening with a pressure in the range of 2 bar to 20 bar), a pipe connector, and / or a regulator with a valve. The flushing arrangement can be connected to an external fluid source to provide, for example, water, a rinsing solution, alcohol, or a disinfecting solution. The axial hollow interior can also be arranged to be flushed by the flushing arrangement.

[0058] When the UV lamp has a flushing arrangement adapted to provide a fluid to the inlet opening of the cylinder, the same instrument, i.e. the UV lamp of the present invention, can be used to remove debris, e.g. residual milk in a milking cup, before and / or after sterilizing a surface. A more efficient sterilization is obtained by combining cleaning, i.e. flushing the surface with a liquid and irradiating the surface with UV. The substantially longitudinal shape of the cylinder of the present invention and the UV lamp allows the UV lamp to be inserted into catheters and the like that are difficult to reach. Therefore, the UV lamp of the present invention with a flushing arrangement is particularly suitable for cleaning and sterilizing the inner surface of a catheter or the like, which is a difficult to reach surface. In addition, debris, in particular milk residues from milking a cow, may be opaque to UV light, so that the flushing arrangement allows UV sterilization in, for example, a milking cup.

[0059] When the UV lamp has a flushing arrangement adapted to provide fluid to the inlet opening of the cylinder and UV LEDs on the inner surface of the axial hollow interior, the fluid in the axial hollow interior may be disinfected or sterilized.

[0060] Regardless of the position of the UV LED, that is, whether the UV LED is positioned on the inner or outer surface of the UV lamp, the inlet opening can be placed at any axial position of the cylinder, but the inlet opening is preferably at or near the first end of the cylinder. Similarly, the outlet opening can be positioned anywhere on the cylinder. In general, the outlet opening is "downstream" of the inlet opening. Preferably, when the UV LED is on the outer surface, the cylinder has a single inlet opening, but in an embodiment, the cylinder has multiple outlet openings. When the UV LED is on the inner surface, it is preferred that the cylinder has a single inlet opening and a single outlet opening (for example, at the end opposite to the inlet opening). One or more outlet openings generally have a smaller cross-sectional area than the inlet opening. For example, the inlet opening can be circular and, for example, have a diameter in the range of 1 mm to 25 mm at the first end of the cylinder, and the cylinder can have multiple, for example, 5 to 20 outlet openings, each having a diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm. When the total cross-sectional area of ​​these outlet openings is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet opening, for example when the ratio of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet openings to the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet openings is in the range of 0.01 to 0.1, liquid can be ejected from the outlet openings at a speed sufficient to remove debris from the surface during a cleaning procedure.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the cylinder has a plurality of outlet openings, for example 8 to 12 outlet openings, with diameters in the range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm, which are located at or near the end of the cylinder opposite to the inlet opening. The plurality of outlet openings are preferably located along the circumference of the cylinder, for example, the outlet openings are evenly distributed along the circumference of the cylinder. When the outlet openings are evenly distributed along the circumference of the cylinder at or near the opposite ends of the cylinder, the entire inner surface of the object to be sterilized (for example, a teat cup) can be rinsed.

[0062] The axial hollow interior can accommodate a conduit or hose, or the inlet opening can be in fluid communication with the conduit or hose to allow fluid communication from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. By having a flushing arrangement, the UV lamp can be arranged to flush the surface before and / or after the surface to be sterilized is sterilized. The shape of the axial hollow interior can be defined by an axial conductor and / or insulating material. By having an axial hollow interior defined by an axial conductor and / or insulating material, the lamp can have an additional compact shape because the flushing arrangement can be arranged in the axial hollow interior. The cross-sectional area of ​​the axial hollow interior is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the lamp. In addition, the axial hollow interior can have a length matching the axial dimension of the lamp along the axial dimension direction. The axial hollow interior can alternatively extend only at a portion of the axial dimension of the lamp.

[0063] In another exemplary embodiment, the first and second axial conductors can be formed into two semi-cylindrical hollow shells, wherein the electrical insulating material is positioned between the two semi-cylindrical hollow shells along the axial dimension, so that the first and second axial conductors are separated from each other but still adjacent. The first and second axial conductors can be arranged so that they form a substantially complete cylindrical hollow shell. The two semi-cylindrical hollow shells can be formed by cutting a complete cylindrical shell along the axial dimension. Alternatively, the complete hollow cylindrical shell can be cut along the cross-sectional dimension to form two complete cylindrical hollow shells, so that the two complete cylindrical hollow shells are separated along the cross-sectional dimension by the electrical insulating material. In this embodiment, the first and second axial conductors, and the electrical insulating material both define the outer surface of the UV lamp. By positioning the first and second axial conductors, and the electrical insulating material in the same plane, i.e., not concentric with each other, the hollow interior of the UV lamp can be used only to accommodate other components, such as a flushing arrangement.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first axial conductor forms the outer surface, the first axial conductor being continuous along the circumference of the section for a portion ranging from 10% to 100% of the axial dimension. Preferably, the first axial conductor is continuous along the circumference for a portion of at least 50% of the axial dimension.

[0065] The term "continuous" should be understood as the first axial conductor being made in one piece. Therefore, the continuous section can also be described as a tubular section. When there is a recess arranged for mounting an LED, especially when the UV lamp includes a UV transparent, watertight window at the recess, the first axial conductor is still considered to be continuous. Similarly, when the UV lamp has an axially hollow interior (wherein the outlet opening is in the outer surface), the outer surface, such as the first axial conductor, is also considered to be continuous. The first axial conductor can define an outer surface, and therefore in some embodiments, the outer surface can also be considered to be continuous along the periphery of the cross section. The second axial conductor can also be continuous along the periphery of the cross section with a portion of the axial dimension, whereby the inner surface of the UV lamp is also continuous, for example, along the periphery of the cross section with a portion of the axial dimension in the range of 10% to 100%. For example, in an embodiment, the first and second axial conductors are concentric conduits with the same tubular electrically insulating material between these axial conductors. The advantage of the first or first and second axial conductors having a continuous section, such as a tubular section, is that the handling of the liquid is made easier by significantly preventing the liquid from penetrating the elements of the UV lamp. For example, by having a continuous axial conductor defining the inner surface of the UV lamp, the inner surface is watertight / liquid-free and reduces the risk of shorting the LED or other components in the UV lamp. In other embodiments, the inner surface of the UV lamp can be an anodized axial conductor, such as a second axial conductor, thereby providing corrosion resistance. Another advantage is that the inner axial conductor defining the inner surface can improve the heat transfer of the LED by acting as a heat sink for the LED. In addition, heat transfer can be further improved by having a flushing arrangement, wherein a liquid, particularly an aqueous liquid, provides an efficient heat sink for the LED, and the flushing arrangement cools the inner surface of the UV lamp with water having a high heat capacity.

[0066] The part of the outer surface of the axial dimension not formed by the first axial conductor can be, for example, a housing, a cover part, or a base of the lamp. The part of the outer surface of the axial dimension not formed by the first axial conductor can be connected to a support element, such as a table, a rod, a bracket or the like.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the UV lamp further comprises a window transparent to light of wavelength in the range of 100nm to 400nm, and the window is adapted to provide a watertight cover for the LED and allow the light emitted from the LED to pass through. In the context of the present invention, "watertight" should be widely understood as, and the watertight cover also prevents other liquids from penetrating. In particular, "watertight" refers to prevent any liquid used in conjunction with the present invention from penetrating. In the context of the present invention, watertightness can also be referred to as "liquid-tightness", and these two terms can be used interchangeably. Exemplary liquids include water, aqueous solutions (such as aqueous solutions of surfactants, detergents, soaps, salts, etc.) or organic solvents, such as alcohol or a combination of aqueous solutions and organic solvents. Watertightness can follow any standardized classification, and the UV lamp can for example have IP4, IP5, IP6, IP7 or better watertightness according to international standard IEC 60529.

[0068] The window can be made of any material that is transparent to light with a wavelength of 100nm to 400nm. Such materials can be, for example, polymers, quartz, fused silica, calcium fluoride or magnesium fluoride, optionally covered with a protective layer to prevent the window from deteriorating due to the surrounding solution. In the context of the present invention, for example, the solution used for rinsing can include salts that may erode the window surface and potentially reduce the transparency of the window. This situation can be avoided using a protective layer. By having a window adapted to provide a watertight cover for the LED and allowing the light emitted from the LED to pass through, the LED does not require an integrated protective layer or film to protect the LED from the influence of its use environment. This also makes the lamp suitable for humid environments. The window can be an integrated part of the axial conductor or attached to the axial conductor. Thus, the window can form a part of the outer surface of the lamp.

[0069] The window may also act as a lens or optic for the LED to collimate or disperse the light emitted from the LED.

[0070] In some embodiments, the window is arranged as or integrated in the housing of the UV lamp. The housing can be supported by the same material as the window to provide transparency to UV light. The housing can include a section of UV transparent material at the location of the LED.

[0071] By having a housing, the UV lamp can be further protected from the environment in which the lamp is used. This can be, for example, a humid environment. The housing can be connected to a supporting element, such as a table, a rod, a bracket, or the like, so that the lamp can be arranged in a fixed mounting position and the surface to be sterilized is brought to the UV lamp. The housing can be formed entirely or partially by an axial conductor and / or an insulating material. The recess for mounting the LED can also extend through the housing.

[0072] In some embodiments, the UV lamp includes a plurality of LEDs that are arranged so as to emit light at a portion in the range of 50% to 100% of the periphery of the cross section. The plurality of LEDs can be distributed along the length of the UV lamp. When the axial conductor and the electrically insulating layer are concentric, the UV lamp allows the LED to be flexibly positioned both with respect to the actual position and the number of the plurality of LEDs, because the large cross-section of the axial conductive layer has a negligible resistance. For example, when the axial conductive layer has a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, the resistance is negligible, and in addition the thermal conductivity properties of the axial conductive layer (for example, when made of aluminum) can be achieved, and any number of LEDs can be positioned at any position of the UV lamp. For example, the LED can be positioned in a recess that passes through the outer axial conductor and the electrically insulating layer.

[0073] By arranging the LEDs so that light is emitted at a portion of the cross-sectional periphery in the range of 50% to 100%, 50% to 100% of a surface located along the cross-sectional periphery and the axial dimension of the UV lamp can be irradiated. The surface to be sterilized can be substantially concentric with the UV lamp, for example, the surface can be the inner surface of a milking cup, whereby substantially the entire surface can be irradiated and sterilized simultaneously. The shape of the object to be sterilized can be substantially cylindrical with a hollow interior, and thereby can be substantially adapted in shape so that the UV lamp can be inserted into the object to be sterilized.

[0074] In the case of more LEDs, the circuit board is preferably positioned below each LED. Thus, each LED is connected or associated with its own circuit board. The LEDs are preferably not mounted on the same common circuit board. A low voltage drop is obtained by associating each LED with its own circuit board and directing the power through the axial conductors. If all LEDs were positioned on the same circuit board, the cross section of the power line would be much smaller and result in a greater voltage drop. Here, the first and second axial conductors form part of the power line. The first and second axial conductors generally have a larger cross-sectional area than the power line on the circuit board.

[0075] The diameter of each circuit board is preferably 5mm to 20mm. The circuit boards may also be rectangular, for example 5mm x 20mm. The circuit boards are preferably positioned in the recesses together with the LEDs.

[0076] In some embodiments, the UV lamp further comprises a power source capable of providing a direct current between the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor, the power source further capable of providing a voltage equal to or greater than a nominal forward voltage (V f ) and is less than the nominal forward voltage of the LED (V f )'s second constant voltage.

[0077] LEDs have a forward voltage (Vf ), while other electronic components generally have lower minimum operating voltages. By having a diode that can provide a nominal forward voltage (V f )'s second constant voltage power supply lamp may have electrical components that are powered by the power supply when the LED is turned off.

[0078] In some embodiments, the UV lamp further comprises electronic components operable at a second constant voltage.

[0079] Examples of electronic components are transistors, controllers, chips on board (COB), drivers, power supplies, microphones, cameras, sensors or fans. Different electronic components can be combined in the UV lamp. Preferred electronic components are sensors, such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, pH sensors, or cameras. Through sensors or cameras, environmental data can be collected to sterilize before and / or after irradiating the surface with UV light. By collecting measurements from sensors before and / or after irradiating and / or rinsing the surface, the collected data can be compared, for example, before and / or after irradiating and / or rinsing the surface. Thus, the surface to be sterilized can be checked based on several parameters, and the sterilization and / or rinsing quality can be controlled and evaluated. The measurements and / or images collected from sensors and / or cameras can indicate whether the sterilization and / or rinsing meet satisfactory standards relative to the standard measurements defining the quality control.

[0080] It can provide a lower forward voltage than the standard LED (V f ) may be that electronic components, such as sensors or cameras, may be able to function when the LED is switched off and thereby collect measurements and / or images independently of the LED and may, for example, not be disturbed by the surface illuminated by the LED.

[0081] The UV lamp may include a controller adapted for communication of a data signal via at least one of the axial conductors.

[0082] The controller may also be located outside the lamp, or each electronic component may be provided with its own controller, which is preferably located near the electronic component.

[0083] In some embodiments, the data signal is transmitted via the first axial conductor and / or the second axial conductor by direct current power line communication (DC PLC). Therefore, there is no separate layer for data communication, but the data is transmitted on the same layer as the LED power supply. This does not require separate wiring for data transfer.

[0084] The UV lamp may further include a third axial conductor preferably positioned between the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor, wherein the third axial conductor is adapted to transmit data signals. By adding the third axial conductor, data transfer is separated from power transfer. Thus, any burrs or noise on the power line will not interfere with the data transfer. In addition, more layers can be added to the structure so that the first axial conductor or the second axial conductor is not necessarily the outermost layer. Additional layers can also be added between the first axial conductor or the second axial conductor.

[0085] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the UV lamp comprises an inner tubular (e.g., having a circular cross-section) axial conductor surrounded by a tubular concentric layer of electrically insulating material, which is surrounded by a tubular concentric axial conductor layer representing an outer surface. In this embodiment, these layers (i.e., the first and second axial conductors, and the electrically insulating layer) can also be referred to as "conduits", and these layers can have the same length and be continuous along the periphery of the cross section from the inlet opening at or near the first end of the cylinder to at least 80% of the length of these layers. The inner diameter of the conduit can be in the range of 1mm to 15mm. The inner tubular axial conductor, and optionally the outer axial conductor, is preferably made of anodized metal, such as aluminum, magnesium, or titanium. In this embodiment, the UV lamp, i.e., the conduit has a plurality of outlet openings, such as 8 to 12 outlet openings, which are distributed along the periphery of the conduit at a distance of 80% to 95% of the length of the conduit from the first end. A plurality of LEDs are installed in a recess through the outer axial conductor layer and the electrically insulating layer. These LEDs can be distributed along the length of the conduit and arranged along the periphery of the conduit. This embodiment provides a completely watertight conduit, which is further corrosion resistant when the inner surface is also anodized, so that the electrical or electronic components (i.e. the LEDs and other components mounted in the UV lamp) are completely shielded from water within the conduit. It is further preferred that the LEDs in the recess are covered with a UV transparent window of quartz glass, which is arranged to provide a liquid tightness of at least IP4. It is further preferred that the conduit has a flushing arrangement adapted to provide a fluid to the inlet opening; the flushing arrangement may include a pump capable of providing a flow of liquid to the inlet opening at a pressure in the range of 5 bar to 15 bar.

[0086] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for sterilizing a surface, the method comprising the following steps:

[0087] - providing a UV lamp according to the first aspect of the invention, and

[0088] - At least 10 mJ / cm 2 Any embodiment of the UV lamp of the present invention can be used in the method of the present invention.

[0089] By at least 10 mJ / cm2 The surface of an object can be irradiated with a UV dose of at least 2 mJ / cm2, and the density of live bacterial cells at the surface can be reduced by at least 99% and up to 100%, for example 99.999%, that is, the surface is sterilized. 2 UV doses can be used to disinfect surfaces. UV doses can also be varied to, for example, 5mJ / cm2, 10mJ / cm2, 15mJ / cm 2 、20mJ / cm 2 、25mJ / cm 2 、30mJ / cm 2 , or more.

[0090] For example, a method for disinfecting, e.g. sterilizing, a surface by using a UV lamp according to the first aspect of the invention can be used in the field of dairy farming and dairy product production. For example, for disinfecting or sterilizing a milking teat cup between milking of each animal. Thus, in a specific embodiment, the surface is the inner surface of a milking cup, and the method comprises the steps of inserting a UV lamp into the milking cup, applying a UV lamp at a temperature of at least 2 mJ / cm 2 , for example at least 10 mJ / cm 2 The method further comprises irradiating the surface with a UV dose of 100 μm and removing the UV lamp from the teat cup. In further embodiments, the UV lamp comprises an axially hollow interior, an inlet opening in the outer surface and an outlet opening adapted to allow fluid communication from the inlet opening to the outlet opening via the hollow interior; and a flushing arrangement adapted to provide fluid to the inlet opening, and the method further comprises flushing the surface, such as the interior of the teat cup. Flushing may be performed before UV irradiation, after UV irradiation, or before and after UV irradiation. In certain embodiments, UV irradiation and flushing are performed simultaneously.

[0091] By disinfecting or sterilizing the milking cups between milking of each animal, the risk of passing a disease or infection to the next animal can be avoided or at least significantly reduced. However, with currently available technology, sterilizing the milking cups is cumbersome and typically involves applying sterilizing means (e.g., sterilizing liquid or steam) to the milking cups. In addition, applying the sterilizing means requires removing the sterilizing means after sterilization. In contrast, the UV lamps of the present invention allow a much simplified sterilization procedure to be obtained, which is also faster than current technology. In addition, UV irradiation is more energy-efficient than using steam sterilization. Thus, the present invention provides a simple way to sterilize the milking cups between each use of the milking cups to milk the animals. For example, if the milking equipment has more than one milking cup, several UV lamps can be used. By matching the number of UV lamps with the number of milking cups, all milking cups can be sterilized at the same time.

[0092] Another example is the disinfection or sterilization of food surfaces.

[0093] The UV lamp and method for disinfecting or sterilizing a surface can be used in any application where the surface of an object must be disinfected or sterilized between several exposures of the surface to a person or animal to avoid or reduce the transmission of disease or infection to the next person or animal exposed to the surface of the object. The UV lamp of the present invention has many advantages for food sterilization. The UV lamp can, for example, be inserted into hollow foods, such as poultry or other pieces of meat, and sterilize surfaces that are difficult to reach. In addition, the UV lamp can provide sterilization without the use of any chemicals, and will not leave any contaminants that need to be removed on the surface or food. Therefore, the sterilization of food can involve fewer steps and can be achieved faster than current technology.

[0094] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for disinfecting a surface, the method comprising the following steps:

[0095] - providing a UV lamp according to the first aspect of the invention,

[0096] - At least 5 mJ / cm 2 The UV dose to irradiate the surface, and

[0097] - by applying at least 0.2 mL / cm2 from the irrigation arrangement to the surface 2 liquid to rinse the surface.

[0098] At least 2mJ / cm 2 UV dose provides disinfection. At least 10mJ / cm 2 The UV dose provides sterilization. Disinfection and sterilization can depend on the type of bacteria to be sterilized.

[0099] By rinsing the surface after irradiation, impurities such as killed and dead bacteria and other debris can be washed away. For example, the risk of passing disease or infection to the next animal during milking can be further reduced. In addition, the quality of the milk is improved because the number of bacteria in the milk is reduced. It is possible to use at least 0.2 mL / cm 2 / s, preferably at least 0.3 mL / cm 2 / s, and most preferably at least 0.5 mL / cm 2 / s flushing surface area. In general, 1mL / cm 2 / s to obtain adequate rinsing. The rinsing may have a duration of at least 1 s and preferably not longer than 10 s. Thus, by using the UV lamp of the invention for cleaning surfaces, such as the inner surface of a teat cup, a fast procedure has been obtained. A typical surface area to be rinsed is approximately 30 cm 2, but the surface is not limited to this size. In particular, the surface can be larger than 30cm 2 .

[0100] The order of the rinsing step and the irradiation step is not critical, and rinsing of the surface can be performed before or after irradiation. The rinsing step can also be performed before and after the irradiation step.

[0101] In order to improve the irradiation of the surface to be sterilized, the surface and / or the UV lamp can be rotated and / or moved in a translational movement, whereby an increased area of ​​the surface to be sterilized can be exposed to the irradiation.

[0102] It should be understood that the combination of features in different embodiments and aspects is also contemplated, and different features, details and embodiments can be freely combined into other embodiments. In particular, it is contemplated that all definitions, features, details, and embodiments of UV lamps, and methods are equally applicable to each other.

[0103] Reference to the drawings is for the purpose of illustrating the invention and should not be construed as limiting the features to the specific embodiments depicted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0104] The above and / or additional objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be further described by the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0105] Figure 1 shows a cross section of a UV lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0106] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an LED mounted in a recess in a UV lamp according to the present invention;

[0107] Figure 3 An exploded view of an LED mounted in a recess in a UV lamp according to the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0108] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of illustration, how the invention may be practiced.

[0109] Figure 1A schematic cross-sectional view of a UV lamp 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The UV lamp 1 has a circular cross-section and includes a first axial conductor 12 separated from a second axial conductor 13 by an electrically insulating material 11. In this embodiment, a quartz glass outer layer 10 defines an outer surface. Alternatively, the first axial conductor 12 and / or the second axial conductor 13, and optionally the electrically insulating material 11, can define the outer surface. Other types of materials can also be used and define the outer surface. The quartz outer layer 10 provides a window transparent to light with a wavelength in the range of 100nm to 400nm for the UV lamp 1, which is adapted to provide a watertight cover for a light emitting diode (LED) and to allow light emitted from the LED to pass through. The UV lamp 1 further includes an LED (not shown) capable of providing light with a wavelength in the range of 100nm to 400nm. The LED has a first electrical terminal (not shown) electrically connected to the first axial conductor 12 and a second electrical terminal (not shown) connected to the second axial conductor 13, wherein the LED is mounted to emit light from the outer surface.

[0110] exist Figure 1 In the figure, for the purpose of illustration, the first axial conductor 12, the electrically insulating material 11, the second axial conductor 13, and the outer surface 10 are separated from each other by a certain distance. In practice, the aforementioned layers are in significant contact with each other without any distance between them. The first axial conductor 12, the second axial conductor 13, the electrically insulating material 11, and the outer surface are concentric, the first axial conductor 12 is surrounded by the electrically insulating material 11, the electrically insulating material 11 is surrounded by the second axial conductor 13, and the second axial conductor 13 is surrounded by the quartz glass outer layer 10 defining the outer surface. The sizes and ratios of these layers of the UV lamp 1 are exaggerated and / or highlighted to clearly show these layers separately in the cross-sectional view, but in fact do not substantially reflect the actual sizes and ratios of the UV lamp 1.

[0111] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the second axial conductor 13 and the electrically insulating material 11 are each provided with a through hole 15 to allow access to the inner surface 12 (here the first axial conductor 12) from the second axial conductor 13. When aligned, the through hole 15 provides a recess (not shown). Thereby, the LED is mounted in the recess (not shown), so that the recess is aligned with the through hole 15, and thereby, the first electrical terminal of the LED can be electrically connected to the first axial conductor 12 and the second electrical terminal to the second axial conductor 13. The through hole 15 and the recess are typically provided for each LED or each series of LEDs along the axial dimension.

[0112] The UV lamp 1 further comprises an axial hollow interior 9, an inlet opening and an outlet opening (not shown) in the outer surface 10, which are adapted to allow fluid communication from the inlet opening to the outlet opening via the hollow interior 9; and a flushing arrangement (not shown) adapted to provide fluid to the inlet opening. The axial conductors 12, 13 and the electrically insulating material 11 are concentrically arranged to have a cylindrical shape, which provides a UV lamp 1 with an axial hollow interior 9. The first axial conductor 12 is continuous, and the inner surface 12 provides a leak-tight liquid conduit for the UV lamp 1 to seal the interior of the UV lamp 1, thereby preventing liquid flushing through the axial hollow interior 9.

[0113] Figure 2 shows a cross section of a portion of a UV lamp 1 of the invention, and Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 It should be understood that although Figure 2 and Figure 3 The planar design of the UV lamp 1 is indicated, but it is preferred that the UV lamp 1 has a Figure 1 The circular cross section shown, and all the features described below can be modified to conform to the modified circular cross section of the UV lamp 1. Specifically, Figure 2 The cross section shown is a part of a UV lamp 1, wherein a first axial conductor, an electrically insulating material and a second axial conductor are arranged in a layer. In the following, the structure comprising a first axial conductor, an electrically insulating material, and a second axial conductor is referred to as a "layer".

[0114] In this embodiment, the layers include an electrically insulating material 11, such as polyethylene, in the form of a conductive layer, positioned between two conductive layers 12, 13. The conductive anode layer 12 is shown as a "conductive front layer", and the cathode layer 13 is shown as a "conductive rear layer". It is also possible that the front layer is a cathode layer and the rear layer is an anode layer. The conductive layers 12, 13 are made of, for example, aluminum, but the conductivity can be achieved by using other conductive materials. When aluminum is used, it is preferably anodized, for example, to have an oxide layer with a thickness of about 20 μm. The layers are provided with a recess 15, in this case a cylindrical recess, passing through the conductive layer 12 and the electrically insulating material 11. The recess 15 includes a bottom 16 consisting of the conductive rear layer 13, and (multiple) walls consisting of the electrically insulating material 11 and the conductive layer 12. The recess 15 can also have a periphery of other shapes (e.g., surface shapes), such as a square, rectangular, triangular periphery. A circuit board 2, such as a printed circuit board (PCB) is arranged in the through hole. The circuit board 2 has the same shape and size as the bottom of the recess 15, or a size slightly smaller than it. The circuit board can also be even smaller, larger, or a different shape. A surface mounted device (SMD) UV LED 3 is attached to the circuit board 2. Alternatively, another type of LED can also be used. The SMD UV LED 3 includes a first and a second electrical terminal (not shown), which serves as a cathode and an anode, respectively.

[0115] In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrical terminal is in a first electrical connection with the conductive front layer 12 , and the second electrical terminal is in a second electrical connection with the conductive rear layer 13 .

[0116] The first electrical connection between the conductive front layer 12 and the first electrical terminal is formed via conductors (preferably printed conductors) on the circuit board 2 and additional conductors as required. In the embodiment shown, the first electrical terminal is in electrical connection with a conductive element 4, such as a resilient conductive element in the form of a wave spring, a washer ring, a spring washer, a disc spring, or a coil, positioned along the circumference of the recess 15, and the first electrical terminal is further in electrical connection with a conductive retaining element 5, which extends along the circumference of the hole and between the conductive front layer 12 and the conductive element 4. The conductive retaining element 5 is particularly suitable when the recess 15 is made as a preformed layer, such as a double-stick board. When the hole is established in these layers, especially the "front layer" before assembling one or two layers, the conductive retaining element is typically not used. In a specific embodiment, the conductive element 41 is a metal ring with one or more legs, such as 4 legs, to provide elasticity. The conductive retaining element 5 can be a metal ring, such as a copper, aluminum ring, at the circumference of the circuit board 2. The conductive element 4 is preferably made of a suitable metal, such as a spring metal, copper, aluminum alloy, etc. The conductive element 4 is pressed between the circuit board 2 and the conductive retaining element 5, which is in the form of a metal conductive retaining ring, extending along the circumference of the hole, and between the conductive front layer 12 and the conductive element 4. The conductive element 4 (for example, in the form of a wave spring) is wavy along the edge, so that the edge of the wave spring is alternately in contact with the conductive retaining element 5 and the circuit board 2. Therefore, the conductive retaining element 5 establishes electrical contact with the conductive front layer 12. The conductive element 4 and the conductive retaining ring 5 further hold the circuit board 2 in place. It can be considered that the circuit board 2, the conductive element 4, and the conductive retaining element 5 constitute an adapter for installation in the recess 15. In a specific embodiment, the circuit board 2, the conductive element 4, and the conductive retaining element 5 are connected together so that it is easy to insert the adapter as a whole. In another embodiment, the circuit board 2, and optionally the conductive element 4, and the conductive retaining element 5 are contained in a holder or the like, which can be inserted into the hole.

[0117] Alternatively, the conductive element 4 can be omitted so that the conductive holding element 5 is in direct contact with the supply circuit on the circuit board 2. As a further alternative, the conductive front layer 12 can extend over the conductive holding element 5, for example when the conductive front layer 12 has been prepared by extrusion for subsequent assembly into layers, so that the conductive front layer 12 holds the conductive holding element 5 in place.

[0118] The second electrical connection to the conductive back layer 13 is formed by a second electrical terminal via a conductor (preferably printed) on the circuit board 2, which extends to a conductor mounted on, in or through the circuit board 2. In the embodiment shown, the conductor extends through a hole in the circuit board 2 to the conductive back layer 13. The conductor may take the form of a conductive tube, cable or rod, etc.

[0119] Furthermore, the adapter is provided with a heat conductor part 6 made of silicon carbide, on which the LED 3 is mounted, and further comprises a heat conductor 7 in the form of a copper wire extending through the circuit board 2 between the heat conductor part 6 and the electrically conductive back layer 13. Other heat conducting materials may also be used.

[0120] In addition, since all components / elements in the recess can be flush with the surface of the conductive front layer 12, i.e. there are no protruding parts extending beyond the surface of the conductive front layer 12, an additional layer in the form of a quartz glass layer 10 is provided on top of the conductive front layer 12. The quartz glass layer 10 can only cover the holes, for example if it is in the form of a concave lens, or can also be omitted. The quartz glass layer can be used, for example together with a seal (not shown) to protect the electronic components from water, and / or to scatter and / or diffuse and / or focus the UV light emitted from the UV LED.

[0121] Further attachment means, such as an adhesive or paste, which may be electrically conductive, may be used to hold the adapter in place. Also, the optical lens may be attached as the quartz glass layer 10 or incorporated therein.

[0122] exist Figure 3 In the depicted embodiment, the conductive element has a base 41 and is provided with four conductive resilient legs 42 extending between the base 41 and the conductive holding element 5. Alternatively, the conductive element 41 may be provided with any number of legs, such as three to six legs. Figure 3 Also shown is a printed circuit 21 on a circuit board, for example in the form of an aluminum plate with a printed circuit. The aluminum secures a good thermal contact with the UV LED heat conductor part 6. The circuit board 2 is coated with a thin gold layer on the back side to provide a good thermal and electrical contact with the bottom of the recess, in the form of the conductive back layer 13. The gold coating can be omitted. The UV lamp can also include, for example, thermal glue between the circuit board 2 and the conductive back layer 13 to provide a better thermal contact, thereby taking heat away from the LED and further preventing the conductive back layer 13 from being corroded, for example when the conductive back layer 13 is made of aluminum. When the UV lamp includes thermal glue, it can also include a toothed thin washer between the circuit board 2 and the conductive back layer 13 to avoid resistance from the thermal glue.

[0123] Although some embodiments have been described and shown in detail, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be implemented in other ways that fall within the scope of the subject matter defined in the appended claims. Specifically, it should be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and structural and functional changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0124] In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims or described in different embodiments does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0125] It should be emphasized that the term "include / comprises" when used in this specification is used to indicate the existence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but does not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0126] In a particular embodiment, the UV lamp 1 has an axially hollow interior 9 and a flushing arrangement (not shown) adapted to provide a water flow to the inlet opening so that the water flowing through the UV lamp 1 can be disinfected or sterilized. Thus, the UV lamp 1 has a cylindrical shape with an inner diameter of 10 cm and a length of 1 m, and in use, the UV lamp 1 can be installed downstream of a filter to remove vinegar particles from the water. In this embodiment, the inner surface 12 is reflective and has a thickness of 1 cm. 2 Contains 1 UV LED 3, which can provide about 1mW / cm 2 The UV light intensity of this embodiment can be appropriately about 5cm / s or 1.5m 3 / h to sterilize the water flowing through the UV lamp 1.

Claims

1. A UV lamp having an axial dimension orthogonal to a cross section having a cross-sectional area, wherein a ratio of the axial dimension to the cross-sectional area is configured such that the UV lamp has a longitudinal shape, the UV lamp comprising: - a first axial conductor separated from a second axial conductor by an electrically insulating material, at least one of the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor defining an outer surface, - a light emitting diode (LED) capable of providing light having a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 400 nm, the LED having a first electrical terminal electrically connected to the first axial conductor and a second electrical terminal connected to the second axial conductor; wherein the LED is mounted to emit light from the outer surface, The UV lamp further comprises an axial hollow interior, an inlet opening and an outlet opening in the outer surface adapted to allow fluid communication from the inlet opening to the outlet opening via the hollow interior; and a flushing arrangement adapted to provide fluid to the inlet opening.

2. The UV lamp according to claim 1, wherein The first axial conductor forms the outer surface, the first axial conductor being continuous along the periphery of the cross section for a portion in the range of 10% to 100% of the axial dimension.

3. The UV lamp of claim 1, further comprising a window transparent to light having a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 400 nm, the window being adapted to provide a watertight cover for the LED and to let light emitted from the LED pass therethrough.

4. The UV lamp according to claim 3, wherein: The window is arranged or integrated in the housing of the UV lamp.

5. The UV lamp of claim 1, comprising a plurality of LEDs arranged so as to emit light at a portion ranging from 50% to 100% of the circumference of the cross section.

6. The UV lamp according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply capable of providing a direct current between the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor, the power supply further capable of providing a voltage equal to or greater than a nominal forward voltage (V f ) and is less than the nominal forward voltage of the LED (V f )'s second constant voltage.

7. The UV lamp of claim 6, further comprising electronic components operable at the second constant voltage.

8. A UV lamp having an axial dimension orthogonal to a cross section having a cross-sectional area, wherein a ratio of the axial dimension to the cross-sectional area is configured such that the UV lamp has a longitudinal shape, the UV lamp comprising: - a first axial conductor separated from a second axial conductor by an electrically insulating material, at least one of the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor defining an inner surface, and at least one of the first axial conductor and the second axial conductor defining an outer surface, - an axial hollow interior, an inlet opening and an outlet opening in the outer surface adapted to allow fluid communication from the inlet opening to the outlet opening via the hollow interior; and a flushing arrangement adapted for providing fluid to the inlet opening, - a light emitting diode (LED) capable of providing light having a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 400 nm, the LED having a first electrical terminal electrically connected to the first axial conductor and a second electrical terminal connected to the second axial conductor; Therein, the LED is mounted to emit light from the inner surface toward the axial hollow interior.

9. The UV lamp according to claim 8, wherein: The inner surface includes at least 1 LED / cm 2 .

10. The UV lamp according to claim 8, wherein: The inner surface is capable of providing at least 1 mW / cm2 at a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 400 nm. 2 of light.

11. A method for disinfecting a surface comprising the steps of: - providing a UV lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and - At least 2mJ / cm 2 The surface is irradiated with a UV dose.

12. A method for disinfecting a surface comprising the steps of: - providing a UV lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 8, - At least 2mJ / cm 2 The UV dose to irradiate the surface, and - by applying at least 0.2 mL / cm2 from the irrigation arrangement to the surface 2 / s of liquid to rinse the surface.

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